Hispanic Ministries

I for one would be open to learning the language and witnessing to them because I work on a sod farm full of them. I try and witness as much as I can and I have found that most of them claim to be Catholic's that I talk with that can speak some english. The outreach team at the church that I attend makes two trips a year to Mexico with material in Spanish, and I have that at my disposal but they will take the material and then throw it away. I do know of serveal churchs in Memphis that have spanish services so at least around here it is starting to happen some. Great ? you pose though, we have ministry all around us and yet we sometimes dont see it.

 

Considering the US is the largest Spanish speaking community in the world, I don't see why more believers do not learn the language to better reach their Latin neighbors.

I applaud your efforts.

Just a minor spelling note: it is "Cristo" not Christo.

 

To answer your questions.

1. I can't really answer since all the members of our church are hispanic.

2. Some of the ones you mention: "They are illegal." or some say. "They need to learn English if they want to live in America."

 

My hands were full.

 

YES, I would love to speak Spanish. I have been to Mexico 4 times in the past 6 years. you would think it would be easy for me, half the men I work with are Spanish, I have asked several of them to help but so far no luck, I guess they don't want me to understand them. I have been thing about ordering the Loretta stone program but it is expensive. Ill keep trying.

 

I agree with this sentiment 100%. HOWEVER, most do not, but our commission is unchanged. We STILL have the responsibility as Christians to witness to these men and women and therefore should walk the extra mile and learn Spanish in order to evangelize to them.

 

I think you misunderstood me. I was quoting what I heard others say. I think they should learn in English but this takes a long time and it is much better if Americans learn Spanish to communicate the gospel to them.

I am very familiar with learning a second language. I "walked" thousands of miles to bring the gospel to latinos in their own land. :smilewinkgrin:

 

For those who wanting to learn Spanish or are in the learning process here a couple helpful websites.

Foroespañol- a Spanish/English forum for Spanish students. Contains some very good info about grammar as well as regional differences between countries en el mundo español.

studyspanish.com- a site with fairly elementary online lessons.

There are other sites as well. Some offer free lessons. But the best thing to do is find a good native speaking teacher to train you.

For computer software I recommend Rosetta Stone. I have not used it personally other than the demo but it seemed like a good approach to learning and I know others that have used it with rave reviews.

A couple of things to remember in your learning adventure are:

1. Talk, Talk, Talk and talk some more. Find a group of native Spanish speakers in your area and meet with them for conversation.

2. Have a sense of humor. You will make mistakes, learn to laugh at them.

3. Have fun! Learn about the various latin cultures. No two hispanic nations are alike.

4. As you advance in your ability, try reading Spanish literature or perhaps just the news in Spanish.

5. Remember the purpose you are learning a new language is for God's glory.